Middleham Castle and River Cover Loop

This is a well-suited walk for dogs, earning a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The route takes in riverside meadows, a gallops track and Wensleydale countryside, with shallow gravel bars on the River Cover offering safe paddling spots along the way. Back in Middleham itself, you'll find dog friendly pubs and cafes including The Black Swan and the Richard III Hotel.

There are good stretches where dogs can run free — the riverside meadow section and the higher gallops path are both suitable for off-lead walking. That said, the gallops are busy with racehorses in the mornings, so afternoons are a much better bet if you want to let your dog off the lead up there. Keep dogs on the lead through town, near the castle, and in any fields with livestock.

The route is mostly flat with meadow, a gravelled gallops track and a short lane underfoot, though there are a couple of stiles to navigate. Middleham is a working racehorse training town, so be mindful of horses — mornings on the gallops can be particularly busy. Free parking is available around the market square (DL8 4PE), public toilets are nearby, and there's a dog-accessible entry to the River Cover at Cover Bridge if your dog fancies a paddle.